Following James Joyce's ‘Ulysses’ through Dublin on Bloomsday

Follow the steps of James Joyce's character Leopold Bloom as you tour these historic Dublin landmarks.
Photo by: Photocall

IrishCentral has compiled a list of Dublin landmarks that are featured in James Joyce’s 1922 masterpiece, “Ulysses,” which follows protagonist Leopold Bloom on his day-long journey through the streets of Dublin.

Joyce’s work is so beloved by his fans that is it celebrated around the globe annually on Bloomsday, June 16, the very same date that Dedalus set out into Dublin in 1904.

You can retrace the steps of Leopold Bloom by taking your own tour of the following sites.

1. Martello Tower, Sandy Cove

This spot is now home to “The James Joyce Tower and museum.” The first chapter of “Ulysses,” “Telemachus,” features this landmark.

It showcases Joyce’s possessions and other memorabilia associated with the novel including an empty pot of Plumtree’s Potted Meat. The tower has been restored to resemble the rooms as they would have been in 1904. The museum was created through the efforts of artist John Ryan. Ryan is responsible for the first Bloomsday in 1954.

Located in a seaside suburb of Dublin, some eight miles south-east of the city center, the Clifton School is today the site of the Summerfield Lodge. Joyce himself taught history here for one term in this setting for the “Nestor” episode. 3. Sandymount Strand

This beach is situated on the east coast of Ireland, next to the village and suburb of Sandymount in Dublin. Considered the most famous beach in Irish fiction, it makes up the south side of Dublin Bay.

Sandymount Strand serves as the setting for both the third episode “Proteus” and 13th episode “Nausicaa” in the book. The most controversial scene in the novel takes place here as Leopold Bloom pleasures himself to a young Gertie lifting her skirt. This led to “Ulysses” being banned in the USA for obscenity.

4. Glasnevin Cemetery

Ireland’s largest non-denominational cemetery is 120 acres and dates back to 1832. The setting for the “Hades episode” is marked by high walls and watchtowers that were originally built to deter body-snatchers in the 18th and 19th centuries. Such prominent Irish figures as Daniel O’Connell, Micheal Collins, Eamon de Valera, Christy Brown, and Luke Kelly of the Dubliners are all buried here.

The street is a major thoroughfare and urban center in Dublin. “The Aleous” episode was set here. It runs off O’Connell Street and was the site of the old Capitol Theatre.

6. National Library of Ireland, Dublin

The building, designed by Thomas Newenhan Dean, dates back to 1877. Located on Kildare Street, this Irish institution is a reference library housing Irish-related books, manuscripts, music, newspapers, periodicals and photographs. It provides genealogy services as well.The library is featured prominently in the “Scylla and Charybdis” episode.

The famous street is one of the major thoroughfares of Dublin, running from St. Stephens Green to College Green. Lined with high-end shops it is considered the fifth most expensive main shopping street in the world.

Grafton Street is also famed for the Trinity College Provost's House, the Molly Malone statue, and street performers. Famous entertainers such as Glen Hansard (from the movie “Once”), Damien Rice, and Rodrigo y Gabriela have plied their musical craft on Grafton Street as street buskers.

It acts as the setting for the “The Wandering Rocks” chapter. 8. Ormond Hotel, Dublin

The hotel is located in Dublin on Ormond Quay on the River Liffey. The hotel, the setting for the “Sirens” episode, has been completely remodeled since Leopold Bloom stayed there in 1904. It was originally one building and not five that occupy the site today. The hotel tries to keep Joyce’s legacy alive with a plaque commemorating the spot and a “Sirens Lounge.”

9. Barney Kiernan's, now the Claddagh Ring, Little Britain Street

The famous setting of the “The Cyclops” episode takes place in the pub Barney Kiernan's. This watering hole, located on 8-10 Little Britian Street in Dublin, is now known as the Claddagh Ring.